MGySgt (Ret) Charles Milton Powell, Jr.

MGySgt (Ret) Charles Milton Powell, Jr., a true American hero, was promoted to his eternal command in glory on July 27, 2024, surrounded by family. Charles was born June 13, 1925, in Flora, Indiana to Charlie and Nora (Sheets) Powell. He married the love of his life and the mother of his children, Esther Bishop, on March 22, 1946. The two were married until her death in 1994. He later met and married Sandra Bliss and the two celebrated 26 years together.

 Charles "Chuck" (Poppy) Milton Powell Jr., served a career in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting in 1943, he served during three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his time in the service, he had the pleasure of serving around the world with some of the finest men and women. While Chuck holds many accommodations, some of the notables are the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for valor. He was a member of the American Legion Post 101 in Nowata where he recently served as Vice Commander as well as a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

 After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Chuck started Cox Cable in Saginaw, Michigan. He then worked for Federal Mogul Seals as a Plant Manager until retirement. After his retirement from Federal Mogul, he relocated to Nowata in the late nineties and he and Sandy became “snowbirds” traveling between their home in Nowata and their home in Arizona.

 Chuck was an avid game player and absolutely loved to play cards, especially if he was winning. In fact, every Thursday was family game day. He also had a profound sense of humor and was well known to be a jokester. He was ornery as all get out, but that was his love language. His life was dedicated to his family, his country, and his love of God. As a devoted family man, Chuck also had a love for giving back. While serving in the Marine Corps in San Diego, he founded an orphanage and once back home in Indiana the Rossville Area Transit was established, known as the RAT van to many. Chuck was the president and the program was the first in Indiana and only one of three in the United States. As an Eagle Scout himself, he continued to be active with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts wherever he was stationed with his family. Chuck also loved to camp and started out in a truck bed camper. Many fond memories were made on those various camping trips.

 Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandy, of the home; children, Linda Richey (Scott) and Jerré Andrew (Phillip) of Rossville, Indiana, Lisa Duggan (Jim) of Nowata, Oklahoma, Stacey Wilson (Mark) of Skiatook, Oklahoma; step-children, Jeff Black (Vickie) of Nowata, Oklahoma and Greg Black (Jenny) of Colorado; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a band of brothers, fellow Marines.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie, and Nora Powell; first wife, Esther Powell; stepson, Randy Black; three sisters; and three brothers.

 Visitation will be Monday, August 5, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 3:00 p.m. at the Rossville Church of the Brethren, 109 N Plank Street, Rossville, IN. Pastor Allen Weldy and Dr. Larry Corral will officiate. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery with military honors.  Day & Genda Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.